Force Startups Inc. Transitions to Co-CEO Model to Accelerate Growth

Force Startups Inc. Shifts to a Co-CEO Structure

In a groundbreaking decision made during its recent board meeting, Force Startups Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, is strengthening its leadership structure to enhance its growth support services for startups. The company, founded in September 2016 and now a leading brand in the startup HR space, will transition from a single-CEO model to a co-CEO approach effective from January 1, 2026.

The transition signifies the appointment of Yukiko Tsuneda, formerly Vice President, to join Yuichiro Shimizu as co-leaders of the company. This strategic move is designed to adapt to the evolving business landscape and accelerate both existing and new business endeavors.

Leadership Changes

The new co-CEO leadership will be as follows:

- Yuichiro Shimizu - CEO (formerly President)
- Yukiko Tsuneda - COO (formerly Vice President)

With an aim to adapt swiftly to changes in the management environment surrounding the company, this new dual leadership is expected to enhance decision-making speed and strengthen the corporate management structure.

Why the Change?

The shift to a co-CEO model comes at a pivotal time as Force Startups embarks on its next decade, aspiring to transition to the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime market. Shimizu emphasizes the need for a cooperative leadership style to navigate the directions for the company to sustain its growth trajectory. As the company celebrates its upcoming 10th anniversary, they plan to maintain their status as a major player in the startup industry.

In an enthusiastic statement, Shimizu remarked, “Having Tsuneda as my co-CEO from next year comes as an affirmation of her invaluable contributions since joining us just two months after our inception. Together, we will effectively guide the company through its next challenges.”

Tsuneda’s Vision as Co-CEO

Yukiko Tsuneda expressed her eagerness to step forward along with Shimizu, emphasizing the company’s commitment to solving diverse challenges in the evolving market landscape. Since she joined in 2016, Tsuneda has consistently focused on questioning the core purpose of the organization and driving value on the ground.

“I am thrilled to embark on this new decade alongside Shimizu. The Japanese growth industries are not just brimming with opportunities for AI startups, but also face essential challenges like diversifying funding methods and formulating viable exit strategies through M&A,” stated Tsuneda.

She underlined that as they approach new mature phase challenges, the organization will tackle problems with unprecedented speed. The new co-leadership aims to empower stakeholders and establish a robust framework for supporting startups during their growth journeys.